Frequently Asked Questions

Child care generally refers to any type of care provided to children, including daycare, babysitting, and nanny services, focusing primarily on meeting the child's basic needs and ensuring their safety and well-being. Preschool, on the other hand, specifically refers to an educational program for children typically aged 3 to 5 years old, focusing on preparing them for kindergarten through structured learning activities, social interaction, and cognitive development. Preschools often have a curriculum designed to foster early learning skills and school readiness.

Parents may contact the individual preschools to schedule informational tours to learn more about the programs that are offered in each site.

Simply contact the preschool of your choice and provide the required documentation and complete the enrollment forms.  Please be aware that parents are only permitted to register at one program.

All Jersey City Contracted Preschools utilize the research-based High/Scope curriculum.  

The HighScope Curriculum is an educational approach designed to promote active learning and support the development of children from infancy through adolescence. It emphasizes the importance of children's active involvement in their learning process, hands-on experiences, and adult-child interactions.

Key components of the HighScope Curriculum include:

• Active Learning: Children are encouraged to explore, experiment, and make choices in their learning environment. Teachers facilitate activities based on children's interests and developmental needs.
• Adult-Child Interaction: Teachers engage in meaningful interactions with children, supporting their learning through conversation, questioning, and scaffolding. They act as facilitators, guiding children's learning experiences rather than dictating them.
• Learning Environment: Classrooms are designed to encourage exploration and discovery, with a variety of materials and learning centers available for children to engage with. The environment is organized to promote independence and autonomy.
• Plan-Do-Review Process: This is a cyclical process where children plan what they want to do, carry out their plans, and then reflect on and discuss their experiences with adults and peers. This encourages goal-setting, problem-solving, and self-evaluation skills.
• Assessment: The HighScope Curriculum uses ongoing assessment to track children's progress and inform instructional decisions. Observations, documentation, and portfolios are commonly used to assess children's learning and development.

Overall, the HighScope Curriculum aims to foster children's cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development by providing them with engaging learning experiences and supporting their natural curiosity and creativity.

Learn more by visiting https://highscope.org.

Classroom have a maximum of fifteen children with a certified teacher and a teacher's assistant.

The Jersey City Preschool Programs are contracted with the New Jersey Child and Adult Food Program to provide health and nutritious meals.  The children are served breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack each day.